Black Veil Brides unveil a new sound

Artist: Black Veil Brides

Album: Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones

Release Date: Jan. 8

Label: Lava/Universal Republic

Grade: B-

Concept albums are a complex task for even the most talented musicians. Masterpieces like Green Day's American Idiot and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon may exemplify successful albums within the genre, but most bands' attempts atconcept albums leave much to be desired.

While California glam rockers Black Veil Brides have managed to avoid total failure with their third album, Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, it's no masterpiece.

Vocalist Andy Biersack, bassist Ashley Purdy, guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx and drummer Christian "CC" Coma, resembleM?\0xA6tley Cr??e with a twist of Tim Burton. Heavy black makeup, war paint, tight leather pants and hair-sprayed locks have attracted a fan base of 13-year-old scene girls.

Though the band has been ridiculed for its outrageous looks, Black Veiled Brides has still managed to win awards and grace the covers of several magazines.

The moments where Wretched and Divine succeeds helps listeners look past the band's bizarre aesthetics.

Producer John Feldmann gave the album a more radio-friendly feel than previous Black Veil Brides releases. Feldmann has worked with artists from The Used to Hilary Duff.

"New Year's Day" and "I Am Bulletproof" showcase Feldmann's influence with catchy choruses and gang vocals. Biersack's vocals remain gritty, while Jinxx's and Pitts' guitars cascade alongside and are reminiscent of Adam Gontier from Three Days Grace at times.

The "F.E.A.R" interludes, voiced by Aiden vocalist William Francis, do nothing for the album.While they were included for the upcoming movie that will accompany Wretched and Divine, Francis does not sound menacing enough to be the villain.

"Days Are Numbered" is a stand-out track with an anthem tone. The song features The Used vocalist Bert McCracken, whose chilling screams and growls give the mostly pop-infused album a rock sound.

While the band has improved from 2011's Set the World on Fire, Wretched and Divine is not necessarily a noteworthy concept album. Black Veil Brides will be in Buffalo next Wednesday at Club Infinity for The Church of the Wild Ones tour.

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